The Discovery of the USS Harder: A World War II Mystery Solved

After nearly 80 years missing, the wreck of the USS Harder, a U.S. Navy submarine that sank more Japanese warships than any other during World War II, has been found in the South China Sea. The discovery sheds light on the fate of the 79 sailors who vanished with the submarine on August 24, 1944.

On May 24, 2023, the wreckage of the USS Harder, a legendary World War II submarine, was discovered in the South China Sea after being missing for nearly 80 years. The discovery was made by Tim Taylor, CEO of Tiburon Subsea and the Lost 52 Project, with the assistance of the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC).

The USS Harder, commissioned in December 1942, made six war patrols before its fateful sinking. Under the command of the legendary Commander Sam Dealey, the submarine earned a reputation for its audacious attacks and sinking the most Japanese warships of any other during the war.

In its fifth patrol, which the NHHC describes as its "most successful," the Harder sank three Japanese destroyers and heavily damaged or destroyed two others in just four days. During its final patrol, it attacked and destroyed three escort ships off the Philippines province of Baatan, with the help of fellow submarine USS Haddo.

On August 24, 1944, the Harder attacked the escort ship CD-22, but the Japanese ship evaded the torpedoes and began a series of depth charge attacks. The fifth depth charge attack sank the Harder and its 79 crew members.

The wreck of the Harder was found in the South China Sea, resting at a depth of more than 3,000 feet. Despite the damage caused by the depth charge attack, the submarine remains relatively intact, sitting upright on its keel.

The discovery of the Harder is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of its crew. The submarine's six war patrols resulted in numerous awards, including the Presidential Unit Citation and six battle stars. Commander Sam Dealey was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his outstanding leadership and contribution to the war effort.

The discovery also provides closure to the families of the sailors who perished with the Harder. For decades, they had hoped that the submarine would one day be found, and now they have the knowledge of its final resting place.

The discovery of the USS Harder is a significant historical event that sheds light on the sacrifices made by the men and women of the U.S. Navy during World War II. It is a reminder of the valor, bravery, and ultimate sacrifice of those who fought for our country's freedom.